Neutrons—Fighting superbugs

Neutron scattering allowed direct observation of how aurein induces lateral segregation in the bacteria membranes, which creates instability in the membrane structure. This instability causes the membranes to fail, making harmful bacteria less effective. Reprinted with permission from “Effect of an Antimicrobial Peptide on Lateral Segregation of Lipids, a Structure and Dynamics Study by Neutron Scattering,” Veerendra Kumar Sharma and Shuo Qian. Langmuir. Copyright 2019. American Chemical Society.

Topic:Neutron Science

March 5, 2019

As the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as superbugs threatens public health, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Shuo Qian and Veerendra Sharma from the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre in India are using neutron scattering to study how an antibacterial peptide interacts with and fights harmful bacteria. Using Bio-SANS and BASIS, instruments at ORNL’s neutron scattering facilities, the researchers used neutrons’ unique hydrogen sensitivity to observe the model membranes of the hydrogen-rich bacteria while the peptide, known as aurein 1.2, caused instability in the bacteria and affected their movement. “Because bacteria are charged and our body cells are neutral, aurein can target harmful bacteria, bind with them and neutralize them,” said Qian. “We aren’t looking at aurein and bacteria membranes independently; we’re looking at the interactions between both.” The researchers’ findings could help improve antibiotics and make them more effective in fighting superbugs. This research was published inLangmuir. — Josh Witt